I find it rather amazing that these days pearls do not seem to enjoy the popularity that they did back the 40s and 50s. Who can forget how Audrey Hepburn captured every eye not just with her beauty but with her pearls. I remember my mother, now long gone, and how much she wanted to own a set of natural pearls but couldn't afford it. Even cultured pearls would have delighted her. But they too were unaffordable for her.

Today the market is flooded with all kinds of simulated pearl jewelry that sells at very low prices but for those who know better, a beautiful set of pearls especially natural or cultured is still valuable.

That's why I purchased the beautiful necklace in the photo. Not only does it have 4 strands of cultured freshwater pearls but it's clasp is out of this world. That clasp contains 1.26 carats of top quality diamonds, along with 5.61 carats of carved emeralds, sapphires and rubies.

Whether pearls are in fashion or not, I think this necklace is exquisite.